Almost six weeks of beta testing were followed by the release of iOS 16.3 by Apple in late January. The software update, which is accessible for iPhone models 8 and newer, comes with a number of new features, adjustments, and bug fixes despite being a very tiny upgrade.
Apple has recently released its latest operating system, iOS 16.3, which comes with a host of new features that are designed to enhance the user experience. Here are four of the most notable features in this release:
Security Keys to Sign In Apple IDs
For those who want additional security against specific attacks on their account, such as phishing and social engineering scams, Security Keys for Apple ID is an optional security feature created for persons (such as celebrities, journalists, and government officials).
A security key is a small third-party hardware device that you can connect to your iPhone and use to verify your identity when signing in to your Apple ID account. The physical key replaces the six-digit verification codes normally used in two-factor authentication, which keeps this information from being intercepted or requested by an attacker.
Advanced Data Protection
With iOS 16.2 in December, the security feature made its debut in the United States. Users have the choice to enable end-to-end encryption for numerous additional iCloud data categories, such as Photos, Notes, Voice Memos, Messages backups, device backups, and more, as with iOS 16.3. Advanced Data Protection is now available globally. With iOS 16.2 in December, the security feature made its debut in the United States.
By default, Apple stores encryption keys for some iCloud data types on its servers to ensure that users can recover their data if they lose access to their Apple ID account. If a user enables Advanced Data Protection, the encryption keys are deleted from Apple’s servers and stored on a user’s devices only, preventing Apple, law enforcement, or anyone else from accessing the data, even if iCloud servers were to be breached.
Black Unity Wallpaper
In honour of Black History Month, Apple recently unveiled a brand-new, limited-edition Black Unity Sport Loop for the Apple Watch Series 4 and newer. Apple also published a Black Unity-themed iPhone wallpaper for the Lock Screen along with iOS 16.3.
The $49 band, which comes in widths 41mm and 45mm, has the word “Unity” woven into the fabric with red, green, and black yarns to honour the Pan-African flag, according to Apple. Apple’s online store offers the band for purchase.
Second-Generation HomePod Support
This week, Apple unveiled a smaller version of the full-size HomePod, which was discontinued in March 2021. iOS 16.3 also contains software compatibility for the iPhone’s smart speaker.
The redesigned HomePod includes a new temperature and humidity sensor, a S7 chip for computational audio, two less tweeters and microphones than the original, and a S7 chip for transferring music from an iPhone. Siri continues to be used to control the speaker, and Matter is supported for HomeKit and other smart home accessories.
